Fly fishing in rivers can be an exciting and rewarding pursuit, offering both challenging techniques and the thrill of catching fish in their natural habitat. One of the most effective and versatile tools in the fly fisher’s arsenal is the spinnerbait fishing lure. While typically associated with conventional baitcasting or spinning rods, custom spinnerbait lures can also be used effectively for fly fishing, offering anglers unique advantages.
In this guide, we’ll compare custom spinnerbait lures for fly fishing in rivers, discuss how to use them properly, and offer insights on their advantages over other lures. Whether you’re a seasoned fly angler or a beginner looking to experiment with different fishing lures, this comprehensive article will provide the information you need to make the most of spinnerbaits in river environments.
For custom spinnerbait lures and other high-quality fishing gear, visit Lurebolt.com.
1. What is a Custom Spinnerbait Fishing Lure?
A spinnerbait is a versatile fishing lure featuring one or more spinning blades that create vibrations and flashes as they move through the water. Traditionally, spinnerbaits are used with baitcasting or spinning rods, but they can be customized and adapted for fly fishing by attaching them to a fly fishing rod setup.
Key Components of a Spinnerbait:
- Blades: The primary feature of the spinnerbait, usually made of metal, that spins when retrieved, creating vibration and attracting fish.
- Wire Frame: The structure that holds the blades, hooks, and skirt or body together.
- Skirt or Body: This part is typically made from materials such as silicone or rubber and mimics the appearance of prey like fish or insects.
- Hook: Often a treble or single hook that helps capture the fish once it strikes.
The main attraction of a spinnerbait is its ability to create a lot of action, both visually and through sound, which makes it irresistible to fish, particularly predatory species like bass, pike, and trout.
2. Why Use a Custom Spinnerbait for Fly Fishing in Rivers?
While fly fishing is often associated with delicate, lightweight flies designed to mimic insects, custom spinnerbait fishing lures offer unique advantages for anglers targeting trout and other species in river environments. Here’s why spinnerbaits are an excellent choice for fly fishing in rivers:
2.1. Mimics Natural Prey
Spinnerbaits are designed to imitate the movements of smaller prey, such as baitfish, minnows, and insects. As the blades spin, they create vibrations and flashes that mimic struggling or fleeing prey. These characteristics make spinnerbaits particularly effective for attracting trout and other river fish that hunt for surface-level food.
2.2. Effective in Murky or Fast-Moving Waters
In rivers with turbid waters or fast currents, fish may struggle to locate prey based on sight alone. The spinning blades of a spinnerbait produce vibrations that can be detected by fish, even in low visibility conditions. This is particularly helpful when fishing in murky or fast-moving waters in rivers where fish rely more on their sense of vibration than on sight.
2.3. Increases Catch Rate for River Fish
River fish, including trout, are often positioned around structures such as rocks, weed beds, and fallen trees. Spinnerbaits can be cast near these areas and retrieved with an action that simulates prey, making them an excellent choice for targeting fish hiding in these spots. Their ability to create flash and noise increases the likelihood of attracting fish from hiding spots.
2.4. Versatile and Easy to Use
Spinnerbaits are relatively easy to use compared to other lures, especially for beginners. You can cast and retrieve the spinnerbait in a simple, consistent motion. This makes them a great option for fly fishers who are new to using spinnerbaits and want to experiment with something that doesn’t require as much precision as traditional fly fishing.
3. How to Use Custom Spinnerbait Lures for Fly Fishing in Rivers
Using a custom spinnerbait for fly fishing in rivers requires some adaptation to standard fly fishing techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use spinnerbaits effectively in river environments:
3.1. Choose the Right Spinnerbait for Your River Environment
When selecting a custom spinnerbait for river fishing, consider the following factors:
- Blade Type: Willow blades produce less resistance in the water and are ideal for clear water, while Colorado blades create more flash and are perfect for murky rivers.
- Size: Spinnerbaits come in various sizes. For smaller species like brook trout, use smaller spinnerbaits (1/8 oz to 1/4 oz). Larger trout, pike, or bass will require larger spinnerbaits (3/8 oz to 1 oz).
- Color: For clear water, natural colors like silver or white are best. For muddy or stained waters, brighter colors like chartreuse, yellow, or orange can be more effective.
3.2. Fly Fishing Rod Setup for Spinnerbaits
While spinnerbaits are generally used with conventional spinning or baitcasting gear, you can adapt your fly fishing rod setup to use spinnerbaits. Here’s how:
- Rod: Use a medium to medium-heavy fly rod with a length of around 7-9 feet. This will provide the power needed to cast a spinnerbait while maintaining flexibility for the retrieve.
- Reel: A fly reel designed for heavier setups will be necessary to handle the additional weight of the spinnerbait.
- Line: For spinnerbait fishing, braided line is ideal as it provides excellent sensitivity and strength. Use 10-20 lb test to ensure you can handle larger fish.
3.3. Casting and Retrieving Spinnerbaits in Rivers
Once you’ve selected your spinnerbait and rod setup, it’s time to cast and retrieve. Follow these steps for a successful retrieve:
- Casting: Cast your spinnerbait upstream or across the current. Let it sink slightly, especially if you’re targeting fish near the riverbed.
- Retrieve: Start your retrieve with a steady, consistent pull. The speed of the retrieve can be adjusted based on the fish’s activity level. In fast-moving rivers, faster retrieves often trigger strikes. In slower waters, a more methodical retrieve can entice fish to bite.
- Vary Your Speed: Change up your retrieval speed if you’re not getting bites. Slow retrieves work well in colder water, while quicker retrieves may be more effective in warmer water when fish are more active.
- Bouncing Through Structure: Cast the spinnerbait near rocks, fallen trees, or weed beds and retrieve it by bouncing off these structures. This mimics prey trying to escape and can trigger aggressive strikes from hiding fish.
3.4. Targeting Key Locations in Rivers
- Fast Currents and Eddies: Fish often hide behind rocks and structure in fast-moving currents. Cast your spinnerbait into the current and allow it to swing toward the eddies or slower-moving water near the bank.
- Shallow Flats and Pools: Spinnerbaits are also effective in shallow pools, especially when fish are feeding on surface prey. Cast into the shallow zones and retrieve the spinnerbait just below the surface.
- Underwater Structures: Target submerged logs, boulders, and other structures where trout are likely to ambush prey. Cast around these areas and use a stop-and-go retrieve to mimic prey struggling near the surface.
4. Best Custom Spinnerbait Lures for River Fishing
When shopping for custom spinnerbait lures, look for those designed for durability and performance in river environments. Here are some top recommendations available at Lurebolt.com:
4.1. Lurebolt Custom Spinnerbaits
Lurebolt’s custom spinnerbaits are hand-crafted to provide both realism and durability. Made from high-quality materials, these lures are designed to withstand the challenges of river fishing while providing excellent action and vibration.
- Design Features: The custom blades produce a strong flash and vibration, making these spinnerbaits ideal for river fishing. The skirts are made from silicone, giving the lure lifelike movement in the water.
- Effectiveness: These spinnerbaits are versatile and can be used in both clear and murky water, attracting a wide range of species including trout, bass, and pike.
4.2. Strike King Tour Grade Spinnerbaits
The Strike King Tour Grade Spinnerbait is another high-quality option for river fly fishing. Known for its durability and reliable performance, this spinnerbait offers great action even in fast-moving water.
- Design Features: The spinnerbait has a thicker wire frame for increased durability and stability. Its double Colorado blades create a lot of flash and vibration, ideal for attracting trout in both shallow and deep river sections.
- Effectiveness: Perfect for both smallmouth bass and trout, it works well when cast near submerged rocks and fast current zones.
5. Where to Buy Custom Spinnerbait Fishing Lures for River Fly Fishing
For the best custom spinnerbait fishing lures, visit Lurebolt.com. Our selection of high-quality, handmade lures is perfect for anglers targeting trout in rivers, offering both durability and realism. Whether you’re looking for custom colors, sizes, or configurations, Lurebolt has the right lure for your needs.
6. Conclusion
Custom spinnerbait fishing lures are an excellent choice for fly fishing in rivers, especially for targeting trout and other river fish. Their ability to create vibrations and visual cues makes them highly effective for surface-feeding fish. By choosing the right spinnerbait, using the correct retrieval techniques, and targeting key structures in the river, you’ll increase your chances of success.
For durable, custom spinnerbait fishing lures and other fishing gear, visit Lurebolt.com. Our lures are designed to meet the needs of river anglers, ensuring you have the best tools for the job.